Buying my first DSLR - Canon T2i vs Canon 50D

[brigid1012]

I am in the market for my first Digital SLR camera. My heart tells me the 50D is the camera for me. However, I am researching both the Canon t2i and the 50D because I want to make the right decision for the right price. I am an amateur photographer but photography is fast becoming my passion. I enjoy taking pictures of wildlife and of my 3 young children. My older children play soccer, lacrosse and swimming and my little one - well, he just runs. I would like a camera that will be able to capture my moving targets. I know the t2i handles 3.7 fps and the 50D handles 6.3 fps. I also do not need a video option which is available on the t2i.

There are packages available that provide the...... Canon T2i 18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor; EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 image-stabilized zoom lens; 3" Clear View TFT-LCD monitor; Eye-level pentamirror viewfinder; DIGIC 4 image processor; Extra Lens: Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 Telephoto Zoom Lens for Select Canon Cameras; Canon Speedlite 430 EX II External Flash; Lowepro Adventura 170 Digital SLR Camera Shoulder Bag: Polyester design; Shoulder strap.

For the same price..... the Canon 50D EOS 15.1-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera and Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens.

Eventually, I would like to become a professional and photograph children and wildlife. The camera I purchase, is going to be my "forever" camera (use it as long as possible). I do not want to be looking for an upgrade in a couple of years. Of course, money plays a big role in my decision.

I hope I am making sense and I appreciate any and all comments on both cameras.

Thank you in advance...

Brigid

[Elmo]

Both are good choices both have good and bad points. So my suggestion is handle them and see which one feels best. I prefer the weight and size of the xxD's over the xxxD's

[candleman]

the 50D is nice.. but i think a 7D is far superior and is fit for semi-pro use.

just a thought.

you will need to invest allot into lenses and other equipment too if you want to go pro. the camera really is the cheap part.. so learn about photography and then make an upgrade from there.
thats just my thought anyway.

all the best

[inkista]

Couple thoughts.

While the higher framerate and shooting features of the 50D are nice, it is also a larger and heavier camera. Finding out whether an xxD or a dRebel fits your hands better is a definite factor. And image-quality wise, the T2i is actually about half to a full generation ahead on sensor technology. The 50D's starting to show its age, and there are rumors that it will be replaced this fall.

The 7D is terrific, but is probably out of your price range, as it's a good $500 more than a 50D.

I'm also not that sure you want to be comparing a kit bundle of anything, since a lot of times what they give you is not what you want. If you really want to be shooting sports, you'd be better off not getting the 55-250 IS, and going for the 70-200 f/4L USM instead or possibly a Sigma/Tamron 70-200 f/2.8. And the price difference between a T2i body and a 50D will get you part of the way there. And I, personally, would be happier being spendy with a 580EXII than saving money with a 430EXII.

My actual recommendation would be to also consider a T1i. The T2i is brand new, and the only really huge upgrade from the T1i is in the video features you say you don't care about. A T1i + 18-55 IS kit lens is $700; a T2i +18-55 IS kit is $900, a 50D +28-135 IS USM is $1100.

So, you could get a T1i + 18-55 kit and have $400 towards a lens for the price of the 50D with the 28-135 IS USM ki (which is most definitely not a sports lens)t. Sports and fast action is demanding of glass. And while a framerate of 3.6fps is relatively slow, it doesn't mean you can't shoot action with it. I shot birds in flight with a 350D (XT) for four years before moving up to the 50D--I blew four figures on a 400mm lens before I upgraded bodies. I never regretted it.

A camera body is likely to last you three to five years, like most digital equipment (think computers, phones, etc.) Your lenses are the more permanent purchase.

[GadgetRick]

The 50D is a fine body and can be used for pro/semi-pro shooting (I use mine). However, if you're going to shoot sports, the 7D is absolutely the best body Canon is selling for that right now (from what I've seen/used). It's more money but if it's your, "forever," camera, then save up and invest in what will last you the longest.

Also, as others have pointed out, stay away from the kit lenses. You're going to need to invest more than the price of the body in glass to (properly) shoot sports. That doesn't mean you need L glass (although it wouldn't hurt) but, even the 3rd party glass for this type of application is not cheap.

[Jojie]

Here's a couple of review for each camera you sought for;

Canon Rebel T2i Review - photo.net

Canon EOS 50D Review - photo.net

personally I would go for 50D (i'm after one myself and would get that rather than 7d because i don't do this for a living and that all i need with the a new body other than my existing 400D .. is a faster frame rate and higher ISO.. but don't want to spend ...

But if you want video init.. the t2i has them.

[BigVinnie]

You stated wildlife as one of your goals.

Hands down the 50d. The reason is weather sealing. The T2i is not designed to be dragged around in the weather. The 50d is.

Even with weather protection a little bit of moisture will severely reduce the life of the T2i.

[brigid1012]

I cannot thank you all enough for your words of advice. Buying the right digital camera is such a huge decision and very overwhelming. I have been jotting down your suggestions and when I can make it to a camera store (alone without my little ones) I am going to hold each one, look into body prices vs. lens prices and then try to make my decision (all the while referring to your tips/suggestions).

I am leaning towards the T1i and then spending the money saved by not buying the 50d towards a telephoto lens. I would love to one day be paid for my pictures however, I feel I have a lot to learn. In September, I am going to enroll in a photography course (I am researching on-line courses - not sure which one yet). I would imagine it will be a couple/few years before I am ready to be a semi-professional photographer. Do you think it would make sense to buy the less expensive camera now, and when I am ready to upgrade to a professional level (again, in a few years) buy the more expensive camera body? During the years between now and then I can save and try buy decent lenses?

Although, I just love that 50d But, if I buy the 50d I will not be able to afford the telephoto lens. Who knows what the future holds? Maybe in a few years I will be able to afford the 7d (or whatever new camera is available)?

Again, thank you, thank you, thank you. I greatly appreciate you all taking the time to share your advice. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the day

[GadgetRick]

Why not look at a used body? You can buy a used 50D for a decent price. Honestly, if you feel you're going to get that into it, I'd bite the bullet and get the 50D (or, preferably, the 7D) for all of the reasons mentioned here. the weather-proofing is a bigger deal than you think and something I didn't remember to mention. The 50D will be much better sealed and the 7D even better yet.

The last two bodies I've bought have been used and I've not had a problem with them (knock on wood). Saved a LOT of money this way.

Good lenses won't save you much used (unless you get lucky) but you can always find a deal on a good used body.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by BigVinnie

You stated wildlife as one of your goals.

Hands down the 50d. The reason is weather sealing. The T2i is not designed to be dragged around in the weather. The 50d is. ...

Actually, it's not. The only weather-sealed cameras Canon makes are the pro 1-series cameras. Even the 5DMkII failed on trips to Antarctica shortly after release. I still take care to plastic baggy my 50D in the rain. And to be fully weather-sealed, the lens has to be, too (mostly only in a few supertele Ls). And probably wearing a filter as well.